Modular cleaning apparatus



Oct. 15, 1963 RAND MODULAR CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 5, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

BURTON RAND ATTORNEY Oct. 15, 1963 B. RAND MODULAR CLEANING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 5, 1962 INVENTOR.

BURTON RAND A T TORN EY United States Patent F 3,106,925 MQDULAR CLEANHQG APPARATUS; Burton Rand, Bala Cynwyd, Pa., assignmto Autosonics Inc, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Feb. 5, 1952, Ser. No. 171,010 7 Claims. (Cl. 134-47) This invention relates to a modular cleaning apparatus, and more particularly, to an apparatus which may comprise a single module or a plurality of interconnected modules capable of being utilized for sequential steps in a cleaning or treating process.

The modular apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of identical module sections which may be utilized singularly or be interconnected for use in a multi-step process. The multi-step process may be a process for degreasing machined parts. Alternatively, the process may be a cleaning or dyeing process wherein articles of manufacture are to be sequentially treated in the same or a plurality of different solutions. The present invention is particularly adapted for use in the treating of small machined parts. The various module sections may be provided with accessory components when interconnected for use in a multi-step process.

For purposes of illustration, the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated as an embodiment capable of being utilized in a process for degreasing small machined parts. Each module section is identical except for accessory components. Each module section includes a article support container mounted at one end for rotary movement through an arc of approximately 120 degrees. Means are provided to sequentially rotate the article support containers in each module section in timed relation. The article support containers of the various module sections are designed so that articles in one section are transferred to the container in the next module section during or at the completion of its rotary movement.

in the illustrated embodiment, the first module section is provided with components so that it may receive ma chined parts adapted to be degreased. Accordingly, the first module section is adapted to contain a degreasing solvent. To accentuate the cleaning effect, the article sup port container in the first module section is provided with an ultrasonic transducer adapted to induce cavitation in the solvent. The second module section is adapted to contain a rinse solution which may be water having chemicals added thereto. When the article container in the first module section reaches the extent of its rotary movement, means are automatically actuated to flush small machined parts in this container by utilizing the liquid in the second module section. The liquid used for flushing is caused'to return to the second module section with the parts being flushed. A drain plate below the perforations will, at this point, be pitched to direct solution into the second module.

In timed relation to movement of the article support container in the first module section, the support container in the second module section may be rotated to a disposition wherein the rinsed parts may be transferred to the article support container in the third module section. The third module section may be a drying chamber. Hence, the third module section may be provided with an accessory component capable of feeding warm air into the third module section. The third module section may be provided With an accessory component for enabling the container in the third module section to transfer machined parts therefrom onto a conveyor or the like. The ejecting parts from the dryer onto an outside conveyor or container, the parts, now being dry, will not adhere to the surface because of the surface tension of the cleaning fluid or water rinse. Being dry, they will now readily cascade down the uplifted tray.

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It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel modular cleaning apparatus. a

It is another object of the present solution to provide a novel modular cleaning apparatus capable of being utilized in a multi-step process for cleaning machined parts or the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel modular processing apparatus wherein parts to be treated may be automatically transferred from one modular section to another.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel cleaning apparatus for degreasing and cleaning small machined parts in a sequential manner.

It is still another object of. the present invention to provide a novelvmodule section capable of being utilized as an article treating apparatus or as a part of a modular treating apparatus.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. v

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the modular apparatus of the present invention with a portion thereof broken away for purposes of illustration.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along the lines 22 in FIGURE 1. 7

Referring to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIGURE 1 a modular-apparatus designated generally as 10. As illus trated, the apparatus 10 is adapted to be utilized as a cleaning apparatus for degreasing and cleaning small machined parts. I A

The apparatus 10 includes three identical modular sections 12, =14, and'16; Each of the modular sections are identical except for accessory components. Accordingly, only module section 12 will be described in detail with corresponding structure on the module section 14 shown with a primed numeral" and corresponding structure on the module section 16 shown with a double primed numeral. The module 'section 12 includes a rectangular housing having a top wall 18 and a bottom wall 20 with side walls 22 and 24 extending between the walls 18 and 20. The walls 18 and 20 lie in spaced parallel planes. The walls 22 and 24 lie in spaced parallel planes. The housing for the module section 12 is provided With a front wall 26 and a rear wall 2-8. The walls 26 and 28 extend upwardly from the bottom 20 and extend between the side walls 22 and 24. i The walls 26 and 28 have a height which is substantially less than the distance between the walls 18 and 20. As illustrated, the walls-26 and 28 have a height of approximately one-third the distance between the walls 18 and 24 Hence, the housing for the module section 12 is provided with a large opening in a front portion thereof and a large opening in a rear portion thereof. The opening in the front portion of the module section 12 is covered by an accessory component comprising a front cover plate 34-. The front cover plate 34 lies in the same plane as the front wall 26 and extends across the full width of the module section 12-. The front cover plate 34 may be provided with m inlet chute 36 integral therewith. A mounting plate 38 is secured to a bottom portion of the chute 36 and is adapted to overlie a portion of the front wall 26.

Each of the module sections 12, 14, and 16 are provided with a movable article support container removably mounted for selective interchangeability. As illustrated in the drawing, the module section 12 is provided with an article support container 40. In longitudinal section, the container 40 simulates an open top shoe. This is seen more clearly in FIGURE 2. As illustrated more clearly in FIGURE 1, the container 40 is rectangular in plan view.

The bottom of the container 40 includes an arcuate portion 42 and an arcuate portion 44 extending from a ridge 43. The arcuate portion 44 is provided with a plurality of holes 46 extending therethrough. An ultrasonic transducer 48 is supported within an opening in the lowermost portion of the arcurate portion '42. The transducer 48 is connected to a source of alternating current V by means of a flexible wire conduit 50. Sufficient length of conduit 50 is provided within the section 12 so that the transducer 48 may move through an arcuate path as will be made clear hereinafter.

The container 40 is connected to an upright base plate by means of a pair of side plates 52 and 54. One edge of the plates 52 and 54 is straight and is. secured to the base plate 56. An opposite edge of the plates 52 and 54 conforms to and is secured to the arcuate portion 44. The arcuate portion 44 merges into a straight portion 57 of the container 4%. The straight portion 57 lies in a plane which is disposed at an angle of approximately 15 degrees with respect to the plane of the base plate 56.

A splash plate 6% extends between and is fixedly secured at its ends to the side plates 52 and 54. The splash plate 60 is imperforate and is disposed beneath the perforated portion of the arcuate portion '44 which is provided with holes 46. The purpose for the splash plate 60 will be made clear hereinafter. A surface of the base plate 56 which is remote from the container 40 is fixedly secured to the rod 62. As shown more clearly in FIGURE 2, the rod 62 is secured to the base plate 56 at a point so that the base plate 56 extends above and below the rod 62. In all rotary positions of the rod 62, the base plate will extend therefrom in opposite directions. The rod 62 is rotatably supported on the module section 12 by means of bearings 64 and 66. The bearings 64 and 66 are sup-,

ported by the side walls 22 and 24.

One end of the rod 62 extends beyond a side wall, such as side wall 24. Said one end of the rod 62 terminates in a pinion 68. A rack 70 is in meshing engagement with the pinion 68. The rack 70 has one end connected to a piston rod 72. The piston rod 72 extends into a cylinder 74 and terminates at a piston which is connected thereto.

A pump and motor support 76- is provided adjacent the cylinder 74. The support 76 has a reversible pump 78 and motor 86 mounted thereon. The pump 78 may be a reversible gear pump which is driven by the reversible motor 80. Conduits '82 and 84 extend between terminal ends of the cylinder 74 and the pump 78.

The motor 80 is connected to a multi-cam switch 90 by means of electrical wires 86 and 88'. The multi-cam switch 90 has therein, not shown, a plurality of cams mounted on a shaft which is driven by a motor 92. Electrio current is supplied to the motor 80 through the cam switches 90 and electrical supply wires 94 and 96.

When the apparatus is utilized as a modular cleaning apparatus for degreasing small machined parts, the module section 12 will contain a degreasing solvent or aqueous cleaning solution having a surface level below the upper edge of the walls 26 and 28 and above the upper edge of the container 40 thereby filling the same. The module section 14 will contain a ringing solution such as water or a distilled solvent. The module section 14 will be provided with accessory components which are adapted to flush any small machined parts adhering to the inner surface of the container 40 due to the surface tension of the degreasing solvent. Such accessories include a pump 100 supported adjacent the module section 14 and outside of the side wall 22'. The pump 100 is provided with an inlet conduit 102. One end of the inlet conduit '102 terminates at an inlet port 103 disposed in the side wall 22' at a point below the intended level of the liquid in the module section 14.

The pump 100 is provided with a discharge conduit 4 194 which extends vertically alongside of the wall 22. The end of the conduit 164 remote from the pump 1% is in communication with a manifold 106 which extends transversely across a substantial portion of the module section 14.

A plurality of branch pipes MS extend downwardly from the manifold 136 at an angle of about 20* degrees with respect to the vertical. The branch conduits 108 are provided with discharge nozzles 116. The nozzles 110 are disposed at a point so that flushing liquid may be directed at the arcuate bottom portion 42 and the transducer 48. Flushing liquid is also directed at the arcuate portion 44. A switch 98 is supported by the side wall 22' in a position so that it may be contacted by the container 49 as the container 40 reaches the extent of its arcuate movement. The switch 98 is connected in series with the pump 10%. Hence, the pump 190 is automatical 1y initiated when the container 40 reaches the end of its arcuate movement and closes the switch 98.

In many treating processes, it is desirable to have a drying chamber at the terminal portion of the process. Hence, the apparatus '10 may terminate in a module section 16. Warm air may be directed to the module section 16 by means of an accessory pump 112. After being dried for a predetermined period of time within the module section 16, the articles may be transferred from the container 41?" into a container. As illustrated, the apparatus 10 is provided with a conveyor belt 114 in a disposition so that the articles may be transferred from the container 46" and be conveyed to any desired location. The belt 114 is preferably an endless belt which extends around a roller 1116 and a similar roller (not shown). If desired, an idler roller 118 may be provided as illustrated.

Hereinafter, elements 68-96 may be referred to as a means coupled to one end of the container 40 for intermittently rotating the container 40 through an arc of approximately 120 degrees. While the piston within the cylinder 74 is caused to reciprocate back and forth in timed rela tion by means of the reversible pump 78, it will be ob vious to those skilled in the art that a time operated supply and exhaust valve may be substituted therefor.

The operation of the present invention is as follows:

Any one of the module sections 12-16 may be utilized individually. The module sections 1216 may be assem bled in the relationship illustrated in FIGURES l and 2 so that the apparatus 10 may be utilized as a continuously operable cleaning apparatus for cleaning and degreasing machined parts. Any number of the module sections may be interconnected together depending upon the number of operations in the process. As illustrated, it will be assumed that it is intended to have a process consisting of a bath in a degreasing solvent, a rinse bath, and a drying chamber. Each of the module sections are provided with flanges in a front and rear portion thereof. For example, module section 12 is provided with a flange 30 extending upwardly from the wall 18 on a front portion thereof and a :flange 32 extending upwardly from the wall 18 on a rear portion thereof. The adjacent flanges on the module sections are adapted to be interconnected together by conventional fastener means such as screws, bolts, etc. In order to utilize the module section 12 as a degreasing bath, the front cover plate 34 is fixedly secured to the flange 30 or any other convenient portion of the housing of the module section 1 2.

Various types of article supporting containers will be utilized depending upon the stage of the process in which the particular module section will be positioned. Since the module section 12 is intended to be the degreasing bath, the container 40 will have an ultrasonic transducer secured in an opening in the arcuate bottom portion 42 as illustrated. When the transducer 48 is connected to a source of alternating current, it induces cavitation in the degreasing solvent which enhances the cleaning of foreign matter lodged in crevices in the machined parts. Cavitation induced in this manner is particularly useful when cleaning small accurately machined parts. By small ma chined parts, the applicant has reference to parts which are so small that one hundred or more of such parts will be required to fill a thimble.

Any convenient apparatus may be utilized to intermittently transfer parts to be cleaned through the chute 36 into the container 49. After a predetermined period of time dictated by the disposition of the cams in the multicam switch 90, the pump 78 Will cause the piston rod 72 to reciprocate to the right in FIGURE 1. As the piston rod 72 reciprocates to the right in FIGURE 1, the meshing engagement between the rack 70 and pinion 68 causes the rod 62 to rotate through an arc of approximately 90- 120 degrees. Rotation of the rod 62 causes the container 40 to rotate from the solid line position in FIGURE 2 to the phantom position in FIGURE 2. Preferably, container 40 is stopped in an intermediate position as illustrated in phantom to allow for drainage of the solvent through holes 46 onto plate 56 and into the bottom of section 12.

If desired, nozzle means 116 can spray rinse the parts while container 4-6 is in its intermediate position. The rinse solution will drain into section 12 due to the angle of pitch of plate 56. In the case where the bath in section 12 is an aqueous solution, the rinse may be tap water. In this case, an overflow to a'sewer or the like will be provided. If the bath in section 12 is a solvent and the rinse is tap Water, an overflow to a separating still will be provided. If a rinse is used while container 40 is in an intermediate position, it will be shut olf before pump 1% is started by use of a timer mechanism or equivalent structure.

In the upright phantom position of the container 40 in FIGURE 2, it will be noted that the straight portion 57 and the base pate 56 are disposed at an angle so that articles or machined parts within the container 40 fall due to gravity into the container 40. Due to the predetermined setting of the cams in the cam switch 96, the container 4% will be disposed in the solid line position in FIGURE 2 so that it may receive machined parts from the container 40.

As the container 40 reaches the upright phantom position illustrated in FIGURE 2, it closes the switch 98 thereby starting the pump The pump 100 causes rinse liquid from within the module section 14 to be discharged through the nozzles 116. Flushing liquid issuing through the nozzles 110 is discharged against the inner surface of the arcuate portions 42 and 44 of the container 49. Such flushing liquid assures that surface tension tending to cause small machined parts to adhere to the inner surface of the container 40 will be decreased to a point so that the parts may fall due to gravity into the container 40'. The splash plate 66 prevents rinse liquid from passing through the holes 46 and falling into the solvent within the module section 12. Any rinse liquid which passes through the holes 46 will hit the splash plate 60 and fall onto the base plate 56 thereby returning into the module section 14.

One of the nozzles 116 will be disposed so as to direct rinse liquid at the transducer 48 thereby preventing the same from overheating. As dictated by the disposition of the cams in cam switch 90, the elements 68-80 Will cause the container 49 to return to its solid line position as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Immediately thereafter, the cams in the switch 90 will be disposed so as to enable the rod 62' to rotate through an arc of approximately 120 degrees. In this manner, the container 40 may rotate from the solid line position in FIGURE 2 to the phantom position in FIGURE 2. While the container 49' is in the solid line position in FIGURE 2, the parts transferred thereto will be rinsed by the liquid therein. T o facilitate rinsing and drainage, the container 40' may have its entire bottom portions formed from a wire mesh. When the container 40 is in the phantom position illustrated in FIGURE 2, the container 46" will be in the solid line position as illustrated so that it may receive rinsed parts from the container 40'. While the parts are disposed within the container 40', they may be subjected to a stream of warm air from the pump 112 to facilitate drying thereof. To facilitate maximum surface area of the parts in contact with the warm air, the container 40" may be made entirely from a wire mesh.

As determined by the position of the cams within the cam switch 90, the rod 62" will be caused to rotate through an arc of approximately degrees. Such movement of the rod 62" causes the parts within the container 40" to be transferred onto the moving conveyor belt 114. All of the above described operations of the apparatus 10 may take place cyclically in a continuous process with dirty machined parts being intermittently conveyed to the apparatus 14 and cleaned machined parts will be intermittently conveyed therefrom.

The multi-cam switch 90, per se, forms no part of the present invention since the same is commercially available. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other equivalent devices may be substituted therefor. For example, an individually operable timer switch may be provided for each of the module sections.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the module sections may be utilized individually to perform any one of a wide variety of functions. For example, module section 12 may be utilized in an acid dip process wherein parts are intermittently fed to the container 40, permitted to be disposed within an acid solution for a predetermined period of time, and then intermittently discharged onto a moving conveyor.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A modular treating apparatus comprising first and second identical module sections connected together, said first module section being adapted to contain a degreasing solvent, said second section being adapted to contain a rinse solution, a container in each section, each container being mounted for rotary movement about an axis of rotation disposed adjacent one end of each container,

means for intermittently rotating said containers from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, and means for spraying rinse solution from said second section against the inner surface of the container in said first section when the container in said first section is in a substantially vertical disposition.

2. A modular treating apparatus comprising first and second identical module sections connected together, said first module section being adapted to contain a degreasing solvent, said second section being adapted to contain a rinse solution, a container in each section, each container being mounted for rotary movement about an axis of rotation disposed adjacent one end of each container, means for intermittently rotating said containers from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, means for spraying rinse solution from said second section against the inner surface of the container in said first section when the container in said first section is in a substantially vertical disposition, said last mentioned means including a pump having an inlet in communication with the second section, a distribution conduit within said second section, said distribution conduit being in communication with an outlet of said pump, and a switch adapted to be actuated by said container in said first section, said switch being electrically coupled in series with a motor on said pump.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the container in said first section is provided with an arcuate bottom portion, and a series of holes in said arcuate bottom portion.

4(Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including a third section connected to said second section in a manner so that said sections are in line with one another, said third section having means connected thereto for delivering heated air thereto, and a container rotatably supported in said third section for temporarily supporting articles therein while the articles are being subjected to heated an.

5. Apparatus comprising a housing, a plurality of article receiving containers disposed within said housing, said containers being mounted for rotary movement about horizontal spaced axes, each of said containers being mounted for rotary movement from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, said horizontal axes being sufliciently close together so that articles may be transferred from one container which is in an upright position into the next adjacent container which is in a substantially horizontal position, means for selectively rotating said one container to a position intermediate said horizontal and upright positions, said one container having holes in the bottom thereof for drainage, said lastmentioned means being additionally operative to rotate said container to an upright position, and first rinse means for spraying rinse solution against the inner surface of said one container when said one container is in said intermediate position.

6. Apparatus comprising a housing, a plurality of article receiving containers disposed within said housing, said containers being mounted for rotary movement about horizontal spaced axes, each of said containers being mounted for rotary movement from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, said horizontal axes being sufliciently close together so that articles may be transferred from one container which is in an upright 8 position into the next adjacent container which is in a substantially horizontal position, means for selectively rotating said one container to a position intermediate said horizontal and upright positions, said one container having holes in the bottom thereof for drainage, said lastmentioned means being additionally operative to rotate said container to an upright position, solvent solution sections operatively associated with each of said containers,

and second rinse means for spraying rinse solution from said next adjacent container solvent section against the inner surface of said one container when said one container is in said upright position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 including a solvent deflecting plate operatively associated with each container,

said one container solvent deflecting plate being mounted for rotary movement about said horizontal spaced axes, said one container solvent deflecting plate being operative in said intermediate position to deflect liquid from said one container into said one container solvent section, said one container solvent deflecting plate being operative in said upright position to deflect solvent from said one container into said next adjacent container solvent section.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A MODULAR TREATING APPARATUS COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND IDENTICAL MODULE SECTIONS CONNECTED TOGETHER, SAID FIRST MODULE SECTION BEING ADAPTED TO CONTAIN A DEGREASING SOLVENT, SAID SECOND SECTION BEING ADAPTED TO CONTAIN A RINSE SOLUTION, CONTAINER IN EACH SECTION, EACH CONTAINER BEING MOUNTED FOR ROTARY MOVEMENT ABOUT AN AXIS OF ROTATION DISPOSED ADJACENT ONE END OF EACH CONTAINER, MEANS FOR INTERMITTENTLY ROTATING SAID CONTAINERS FROM A SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL POSITION TO A SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL POSITION, AND MEANS FOR SPRAYING RINSE SOLUTION FROM SAID SECOND SECTION AGAINST THE INNER SURFACE OF THE CONTAINER IN SAID FIRST SECTION WHEN THE CONTAINER IN SAID FIRST SECTION IS IN A SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL DISPOSITION. 